But "the toughest part is getting back on the bike after the rest stop," he joked.

As of Thursday, 64 people, ages 12 to their 70s, had registered, about 30 more than this time last year.

Many people, Gerner said, wait until the day before to sign up, often to have a better idea of the weather. Last year, 113 people ended up riding.

"We're able to pick a route where people aren't encountered with a lot of cars," Gerner said. "Our theory is, we have this wonderful infrastructure of roads that aren't used as much."

Interested participants can register up to an hour before the ride commences. The cost is $35.

"We'd like to get to the point where there's 1,000 people riding," Gerner said.

SUPPORT

Gryger said she has had phone calls from people in Montreal, Saranac Lake, Massachusetts and even a man from Georgia.

"The awareness is out there from the club."

And Tom agrees. "Rides are routinely twice as well attended as last year," he said, adding that even more women are picking up the sport.

"We've got a credibility this year that we didn't have last year," Gerner said. But "it (the century ride) wouldn't be possible without volunteers and sponsors."

Both Gryger and Gerner said they're happy with the local support, especially from Patrick Achey from Microtel Inns & Suites, who sees great potential in the Century Ride.

"The real reason we do it is to ride," Gryger said, smiling.

"We don't want to ignore the selfish component," Tom joked.

mbesaw@pressrepublican.com